Henry County KY
Slave Narrative of Sarah H. Locke
The interview with Sarah H. Locke, conducted by Anna Pritchett, details Mrs. Locke’s experiences as a child of enslaved parents in Kentucky, born in 1859. She recalls her master, Jacob Keephart, as kind and emphasizes family connections among enslaved individuals. After the Civil War, she received support from her former master. Education opportunities were limited, but she and her sister attended school in Cincinnati. Mrs. Locke describes festive celebrations during Christmas and her later life as a skilled dressmaker and widow.
Slave Narrative of Robert Howard
Robert Howard, born in 1852 in Clara County, Kentucky, was an ex-slave who remembered his time under the kind ownership of Chelton Howard. His family, including his mother and siblings, lived harmoniously on the Howard farm, while his father, Beverly, worked at a nearby saloon but was allowed to visit his family weekly. The Howards were only sold once, remaining together until emancipation. Now residing in the Alpha Home for aged Black individuals, Howard appears content, with only a brother remaining as family.
Slave Narrative of Martha J. Jones
Martha J. Jones, born in Buckingham County, Virginia, in 1847, shared her memories of the Civil War during an interview at age 90. She recounted her upbringing on a large farm and her father’s involvement in West Virginia’s legislature. Three of her brothers fought for the Confederacy, with one dying in battle. Married to Union Army lieutenant John R. Jones, she eventually settled in New Castle, Kentucky. Jones noted her father’s humane treatment of their three slaves, contrasting with her uncle’s practices of buying and trading slaves.
Biography of David M. James
David M. James, born in 1833 in Henry County, Kentucky, is a prominent figure in West Plains, Missouri, known for his well-regarded livery stable. He was raised in Jeffersonville and had a diverse career, including work in store clerkship, confectionery, and mining across various states. After marrying Mariah J. Morris in 1868, he farmed in Clay County until relocating to West Plains in 1881, where he established his livery business. A respected and active community member, he is associated with the K. of P. lodge.
Biography of R. L. Goode
R. L. Goode, born February 4, 1855, in Henry County, Kentucky, is a respected lawyer and educator in Springfield, Missouri. His lineage traces back to two brothers who fled England for religious reasons in 1648. Following his education at Drury College, Goode served as principal of Springfield schools before entering law. He gained prominence through significant cases, including litigation for the Springfield Gas Light Company. Married in 1885, he has two daughters and remains active in community affairs, demonstrating strong personal and professional integrity.
Biography of Johnson S. Williams
Johnson S. Williams, born in Kentucky in 1834, was a prominent pioneer in Riley County, Kansas. He settled there in 1855, contributing to the establishment of the area as a free state and later serving in the Civil War with the Ninth Kansas Cavalry. After retiring from farming in 1907, he resided in Manhattan. Williams married Ruth J. White in 1869, and together they had six children. A dedicated community member, he has remained active in local historical societies and embodies a spirit of patriotism and independence.
Biography of Joseph R. Smith
Joseph R. Smith, born in 1853 in Illinois, has served as Allen County’s probate judge in Kansas since 1894, boasting an impressive record of consecutive re-elections. Raised in a politically active family, his father, John W. Smith, held several public offices and was connected to Abraham Lincoln. After moving to Kansas in 1879, Joseph Smith engaged in farming and stock handling before entering public service. He married Ida G. Cloos, and they had five children, with several pursuing education careers.
Biography of John A. Simms
John A. Simms, a significant horticulturist in Southern California, arrived in Riverside in 1875 with little more than determination and agricultural knowledge. He honed his skills under pioneer nurseryman P. S. Russell before establishing his own nursery in 1878. Simms later partnered with L. C. Waite to create the successful Sweet Stock Nurseries, known for exceptional tree varieties, especially Washington Navels. A native of Kentucky, he became an active community supporter and political Republican, marrying Jennie Patton in 1879, with whom he had one child.
Biography of Dr. William H. Ball
Dr. William H. Ball, born in 1828 in Kentucky, is a prominent figure in Riverside, where he developed a 20-acre orange grove after purchasing the land in 1875. Initially planting a mix of orange and deciduous trees, he now cultivates 1,150 seedlings and 800 budded trees, yielding a notable $300 per acre. His medical career began in 1856 and spanned several states before settling in Riverside in 1880. A respected member of the local community, he has two marriages and four children from his first union.
Biography of Hon. William H. Spurgeon
The Honorable William H. Spurgeon, born in Kentucky in 1829, was instrumental in founding and developing Santa Ana, California. His early life in various states honed his business acumen, which he utilized after his migration to California during the Gold Rush. Spurgeon laid out Santa Ana, established its post office, and became its first postmaster. A prominent leader, he contributed to the creation of Orange County and served on various boards and committees, leaving a lasting legacy as a public benefactor of the city he established.